**Olivaldo Paz Appointed President of Canaco Tijuana; Encourages Former Candidates to Join**
Olivaldo Paz Gómez has been selected as the new president of the Tijuana Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) for the 2025-2026 term. His election, which came amid claims of a biased election process in his favor, occurred after serving as the vice president of the organization.
In his acceptance speech, Paz Gómez extended an olive branch to his competitors, stating, “We are all friends here, and there is no bad blood,” emphasizing the importance of unity within the organization. His directorial team includes Carlos Leos as treasurer, along with Facundo Gámez, Jorge Pickett, Isabel Herrera, and former president Julián Palombo Saucedo, who remains involved as the president of former presidents. All these appointments were backed by the Council.
During the General Assembly, which saw the election of 12 council members endorsing Paz Gómez, notary Gabriel Moreno Muro was asked to exit the proceedings. He was there to officially document the assembly, similar to how he supervised the registration of former candidate Karim IV Chalita’s canceled slate “For the Future of Commerce.”
Outside the Canaco Tijuana venue, prior to the start of the General Assembly, a small group protested against Paz Gómez’s appointment, accusing him of past sexual misconduct. However, Paz Gómez refuted these allegations as “unfounded,” suggesting they stem from internal family disputes and emphasized that his personal issues should not affect the Chamber’s operations.
Paz Gómez also dismissed claims of past associations with René Arzate, attributing the rumors to his activities in currency exchange businesses. He assured that all allegations were groundless.
**Secondary Update: Canaco Tijuana’s Turbulent Internal Elections**
The internal elections at Canaco Tijuana have been marked by controversy and calls for cancellation. Despite Olivaldo Paz Gómez securing the presidency, some members of the organization have challenged the fairness of the election process, contending it was skewed in favor of his victory. There have been various procedural disputes, including the invalidation of Karim IV Chalita’s slate from participating, amidst arguments of an uneven playing field.
Paz Gómez’s presidency will be pivotal to maintaining cohesion in the organization, as he has made efforts to bridge gaps with previous candidates. However, tension remains high as stakeholders watch closely, hoping for a transparent and inclusive administration moving forward. This climate has underscored the need for reforms in the election process within Canaco Tijuana to ensure future leadership disputes are addressed more equitably.